Pep Guardiola has mentioned he didn’t anticipate Manchester Metropolis profitable their opening match of the 2024-25 Premier League season due to the shortage of coaching periods held between his full squad.
Common starters together with Kyle Walker, John Stones and Phil Foden started on the bench at Stamford Bridge after returning to coaching six days in the past, Guardiola deciding to prioritise their recoveries after enjoying worldwide soccer this summer time.
The ultra-reliable Rodri was additionally not concerned as he continues his comeback from an harm sustained whereas enjoying for Spain within the Uefa Euro 2024 ultimate, however Metropolis nonetheless claimed a cushty 2-0 win via Erling Haaland’s 18th-minute opener and Mateo Kovacic’s strike six minutes from time.
FULL-TIME | A gap day win at Stamford Bridge! 💪
🔵 0-2 🩵 #ManCity | @okx pic.twitter.com/wxtEoniXkb
— Manchester Metropolis (@ManCity) August 18, 2024
Man Metropolis vs Chelsea: Guardiola ‘honour’
“It’s our ninth season collectively so we all know one another effectively,” Guardiola informed Sky Sports activities. “In fact there are errors you must enhance, however we talked.
“The distinction in being champions was our physique language, how did we behave? It’s the dangerous moments within the season and within the video games that outline the massive groups.
“For me, it’s an honour to be in control of these guys. I’m so lucky, I couldn’t say extra. I didn’t anticipate [to win]. We’re away from our greatest, so three factors is the excellent news. The dangerous information is now we have 65 video games forward of us.”
Nicolas Jackson had an equaliser dominated out for Chelsea, who spent £185 million on summer time signings beneath Guardiola’s former assistant at Metropolis, Enzo Maresca.
The Italian joined the Blues from promoted Leicester Metropolis in June and could have discovered little to be tremendously inspired by, his gamers producing two pictures on track and falling 2-0 behind when goalkeeper Robert Sanchez may have stopped Kovacic’s shot.
Gorgeous from Mateo Kovačić! 😍
The Man Metropolis man punishes his former membership! 🔵 pic.twitter.com/Wxfx8aW0Tt
— Sky Sports activities Premier League (@SkySportsPL) August 18, 2024
Chelsea vs Man Metropolis: ‘Large step’
“There’s a plan: defensive, offensive,” mentioned Guardiola. “After that, it’s how we rejoice the great moments and are available again from the dangerous moments.
“That’s what defines these groups and no-one talks about it. For some time we may by no means win at Stamford Bridge. This can be a huge step.”
A 4-4 draw final season is the one event within the final 4 when Metropolis have did not win at Chelsea. They’re unbeaten total within the fixture in 10 matches, profitable eight of these video games.
The Cityzens will likely be heavy favourites to make it six factors from six after they host newly-promoted Ipswich City on Saturday (3pm).
